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Vanessa Brunner added this to Kitchen of the Week: Streamlined and Smart in Montreal

Guillelmi and Taschereau had to design the kitchen around four doorways, a large window and one pass-through to the dining room. This limited wall space for cabinets, so they got creative with spacing and storage. The appliances had been purchased and brought in beforehand to plan out spacing, smoothing the process. Range: Electrolux; oven: FCI; refrigerator: Kenmore; chandelier: copper ring mounted into a chandelier

Vanessa Brunner added this to The 20 Most Popular Kitchens of the Week in 2012

20. Streamlined and Smart in MontrealHouzzers loved how this historic remodel embraced a modern design, with easy-to-clean materials. Built-in storage for wine, knives and books uses up every inch, while granite countertop and MDF cabinet facades make cleanup a matter of a simple wipe-down.Homeowner's Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen

Vanessa Brunner added this to Open vs. Closed Kitchens — Which Style Works Best for You?

“You can get creative with a closed kitchen, too,” says Carrino. If space allows, a small booth, fold-down table or rolling bar can make a closed kitchen more of a social space.

Or perhaps you need an island that serves as an in-kitchen hangout spot. Sure, you’re not going to serve a multicourse meal on an island like the one pictured here, but it’s the right size for a couple of people to sit, visit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. If you plan to set a stool or stools around the island, consider placing them so that the person seated doesn’t get in the way of the cook.